Testimonials

The Chamber Choir of Tallinn University (Estonia)

“We enjoyed the festival very much. We did not only fall in love with the city but it also brought us closer together. We grew fonder with every concert we had and rejoiced in every face we made smile in the audience. We gave all of us during the performances and received lots of it back from others as well, especially from our dear hosts.”

Blackburn People’s Choir (UK)

“Taking part in the Cork Choral Festival has been an absolute highlight in our choir’s history. We sang ourselves silly at a large number and wide variety of venues, to really appreciative audiences who entered into the spirit of fun through good music that embodied the festival. Our ‘festival guides’ quickly became our friends, nothing was too much trouble, even our request for extra singing opportunities – no sooner said than done. We have made contacts amongst choirs from around the world that will be built upon, we’re already thinking about Estonia ! Cork’s welcoming and vibrant atmosphere left us all thinking it won’t be too long before our choir will be back.”

Prof. Peter Erdei, Kodaly Institute, Budapest, Hungary

“The Cork International Choral Festival is without a doubt one of the highest quality choral events in Europe. This is due to the immense amount of care and concern on the part of the organisers to make sure the guests have all their needs taken care of. I can also feel a genuine interest on the part of the public in the concerts, the competitions and all the fringe events. The evening concerts are a model of quality for the contestants as well as entertainment for the public. I hope the Festival will preserve these qualities in the future and will find the support needed to continue this remarkable work.“

Declan O’Brien, President Destinations Ireland & Beyond

“I had a wonderful experience at the Cork International Choral Festival! What I experienced was a world class event on a major scale, wrapped in genuine warmth and hospitality. The flawless execution and success of the event is testament to the true passion and pride of your entire organisation at every level, not only for the event but for the venue, which is Cork City itself. I was truly astonished to see you all make it look so easy.”

Mr. Tracy S. Resseguie, Creative Director World Choral Fest

“Thank you for sharing with me your wonderful choral festival. I simply loved it! What a beautiful thing you all do by bringing these choirs together from all over the world and giving them such a beautiful venue in which to share their art. The pure heartfelt joy I saw from so many faces – not just from the singers but the listeners, the city of Cork and all those who attended – was a true testament to the wonderful experience you provide. Thank you so very much, it was so inspiring and greatly enhanced my life”.

Jean-Claude Wilkens, Director A Coeur Joie – Association et Editions

“The Cork International Choral Festival is an amazing event, which puts Cork on the world map of choral music. The quality of the concerts and the attendance of some of the best existing choirs coming from all over the world makes this festival very special. There are a lot of choral competitions and festivals in Europe but Cork is a very special one. The combination of school, national and international categories allows an interaction that few other festivals offer. Kids are exposed to performances by the very best, and the very best get to know Irish culture. This is the perfect cocktail. Cork International Choral Festival contributes to the preservation of heritage and also gives the floor to young composers and puts them into working relationship with music students. The participation of the National Chamber Choir of Ireland in this part of the festival is obviously a must.”

Enda Bates, Commissioned Composer 2013

“I was completely thrilled to be involved in such a wonderful festival. To work with the Cork International Choral Festival, Paul Hillier, and the National Chamber Choir of Ireland was an extremely pleasurable experience! The seminars and concerts were thought-provoking and enjoyable too. I’ve also been hearing great things about the Festival in general so congratulations on a job well done and here’s to the 60th anniversary next year!”

“Let me thank you for your hospitality and the excellent organisation of your festival, which includes many participating Irish and foreign choirs. During my stay I was impressed by your children’s choirs and by the festival in general, as well as by the International Competition for the Fleischmann Trophy and other performances. Congratulations and thank you once again.”

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Alexis FitzGerald, Esk Community Choir

“We all had a simply marvelous time – everyone was so generous, hospitable and welcoming. We really didn’t want to leave Ireland at all. The venues where we performed were fantastic.

Congratulations to Mr. John Fitzpatrick and his marvelous team – what an effort – for so many years to host such a successful and enjoyable event consisting totally of music and singing. Cork is indeed fortunate to have such a dedicated and committed group of people who are obviously making a huge difference to the musical life of Cork and surrounding areas.”